Definition of a Relation: A relation is a set of ordered pairs.

This seems like an odd definition but well need it f or the definition of a function. Two examples of relations are Example One: {(2,3), (3,5), (5,7), (3,7)} Example Two: {(2,2), (3,3), (4,3), (5,4)} There are an infinite number of relations we could form. We could also get other ordered pairs from an algebraic equation such as y=3x+2 or y2+x2=1. Relations are used at almost all levels of mathematics. The following definition tells us a special form of a relation. Definition of a Function: A function is a relation in which each element of the domain is paired with exactly one element of the co-domain (which is commonly referred to as the range). Example of a Function: Lets see if we can figure out just what this definition means by looking at the examples we used for a relation and see if either one forms a function. Example One: {(2,3), (3,5), (5,7), (3,7)} Domain

Range

This example does not form a function because 3 will map to both 5 and 7

Lets take a look at Example 2: Example Two: {(2,2), (3,3), (4,3), (5,4)} Domain

Range

This will form a function. Both 3 and 4 can map to the same element in the Range. The major difference between example one and example two is that in example one the number 3 maps to two elements in the range. This violates the definition of what a function is. In example two multiple elements in the domain map to one element in the range. This does not violate the definition of a function. Another mundane example of a function is if there are multiple students in a room (the students represent the domain). There are a couple of exits to get out of the classroom (the optimal is the door but in an emergency one could exit a window). A student could not exit out of both a window and the door at the same time, however, multiple students could use an exit. A few examples of functions: f(x) = x + 4, , f(s) = s2 are few examples of functions.

But y2+x2=1 and y2 =x are not functions. So, hopefully you have at least a feeling for what the definition of a function is telling us. Now that weve gone through the actual definition of a function lets give another way we can determine if a function exists. Most of the time we will want to determine if mathematical equations or mathematical relations are functions. The test used to make this determination is called the vertical line test.

The Vertical Line Test: This test is used after graphing the equation or the ordered pairs. You imagine a vertical line being drawn through the graph. If the vertical line only touches the graph at one point, then it is a function. If the vertical line touches in more than one point, then it is NOT a function.

Lets consider the following y=x2-4. You can draw any vertical line and only hit the graph once.

On the other hand x2+y2=16 does not represent a function. As illustrated a vertical line will hit the graph more than once. This does not represent a function

So, the easiest way to determine if a relation is a function is to graph the relation and use the vertical line test to determine if a relation is a function.